Canada set to slap bump ban on airlines

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Canada set to slap bump ban on airlines

Canada has introduced legislation banning airlines from bumping passengers from commercial flights.That follows a public outcry over a bloodied 69-year-old doctor, David Dao, being dragged off a United Airlines plane last month, and other incidents.The passenger bill of rights is part of a package of transportation law amendments that also expands the limit on airline foreign ownership to 49 from...

That follows a public outcry over a bloodied 69-year-old doctor, David Dao, being dragged off a United Airlines plane last month, and other incidents.

The passenger bill of rights is part of a package of transportation law amendments that also expands the limit on airline foreign ownership to 49 from 25 percent.

"We heard recent news reports about shoddy treatment of air passengers," Transportation Minister Marc Garneau said. "Such incidents will not be tolerated in Canada. When Canadians buy an airline ticket, they expect the airline to keep its part of the deal."

The proposed bill sets out minimum compensation for passengers who volunteer to give up their seat if a flight is overbooked, or for lost luggage.

Airlines would also have to pay for long delays on tarmacs, and seat children near a parent at no extra charge. If passed, the law would come into force in 2018.